Self-Absorption in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms Essay

Self-Absorption in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms Catherine Barkley and Frederick Henry, the main characters in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms are two of the most self-absorbed characters I have ever come across. Frederick Henry thinks only of what he wants while Catherine worries only about what Frederick thinks and wants. They are constantly thinking only about themselves, which is why I believe that it was a good thing that the baby was not born alive. They are too absorbed in themselves to think of anyone else. Shortly after meeting Catherine, Frederick attempts to get her into bed. By complimenting her hair, admitting that she had every right to slap him, and holding her hand, he uses these words and actions to get a kiss,†¦show more content†¦When she finally tells him that she is pregnant, she is more concerned about how he will take the news than how it will affect her. It doesn’t worry me but I’m afraid to worry you. (137). Once she begins to show, she does not want him to look at her because she is ashamed of how she looks. She was beginning to be a little big with the child and she did not want me to see her. (266). She also refused to get married because she was pregnant and fat. I’ll marry you as soon as I’m thin again. (294). This desire to stay good looking for Frederick is shown many times throughout the book. Back in those days, it was said that having alcoholic drinks would keep the child small. This was supposed to be good for women with small hips, but Catherine, who hardly drank before she became pregnant seems to drink more than is necessary while pregnant. The doctor says beer will be good for me and keep her small. (291). She used this excuse often throughout the rest of the book, The doctor said I was rather narrow in the hips and it’s all for the best if we keep young Catherine small. (294). Although she drinks more beer than is probably necessary, she is very hesitant about eating food because it will make her fat. Could I eat a chocolate bar? Or is it too close to lunch? I’m always hungry. (297). This shows how much more concerned she is about her appearance than about her child’s health. BeingShow MoreRelatedCat in the Rain - Woman the Inequality3717 Words   |  15 Pageslibrary research with the textbook of this subject, the sources from the internet include comments, essays, analyze and the quotations. B. LITERATURE REVIEW Darren Felty mentioned in â€Å"Spatial Confinement in Hemingway’s ‘Cat in the Rain’ † (1997; page 363-369) that: â€Å"Many details in Ernest Hemingway’s â€Å"Cat in the Rain† suggest the isolation and oppression that George’s wife experiences as she remains confined at the hotel. George and his wife are the â€Å"only two Americans stopping at the hotel,† and they